Armenia proposes shortening mandatory military service

The Armenian Ministry of Defence has proposed reducing the length of mandatory military service from two years to 1.5 years, a move aimed at modernising the country’s armed forces.

The draft law has been published on the official portal for legal acts. If approved, the changes would take effect with the summer 2026 draft, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

"The adoption of the law is driven by the need to shorten mandatory military service within the framework of the government’s 2021–2026 programme," the ministry stated.

Under the proposal, the total number of conscripts is expected to decrease, while the proportion of contract servicemen in the armed forces would rise. The draft law will not be applied retroactively, and it is still subject to discussion and parliamentary approval.

Military service in Armenia is mandatory for men aged 18–27 and traditionally lasts two years. Citizens may receive exemptions for health, family, humanitarian reasons, or conscientious objection, while women can volunteer. 

By Vugar Khalilov